No more hunting for ATMs: Cash Group banks launch network expansion pilot

Munich, Where is the nearest free-of-charge ATM? This is a question that customers of the Cash Group banks will soon no longer need to ask themselves, even in regions where the Cash Group banks do not have such a strong presence, as the banks are planning to increase their regional ATM coverage. As of October, in an initial pilot project involving ten ATMs in Germany’s Vorderpfalz (Anterior Palatinate) region, the banks will be testing the acceptance of the solution over one year in conjunction with Siemens IT Solutions and Services and VÖB-ZVD Bank. This is the first joint project of its kind in Germany. The banks expect to benefit from the project mainly through increased customer satisfaction.

The Cash Group is made up of Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, HypoVereinsbank and Postbank and their subsidiaries. These five banks operate most of their ATMs in major and medium-sized cities, with relatively few being available until now in small towns and rural areas. But this is set to change: Siemens IT Solutions and Services will evaluate suitable sites such as shopping centers or gas stations and lease the required space on behalf of the Cash Group. The IT service provider will also supply the entire IT infrastructure, including the ATMs themselves, and ensure the smooth technical operation of the solution. VÖB-ZVD Bank will be responsible for managing the banking operations, routing the transactions and processing the payments. For the Cash Group banks, the good news is that everything is taken care of for them, they share their ATMs and will enjoy greater customer satisfaction thanks to their stronger presence across a wider area.

Siemens IT Solutions and Services is an internationally leading provider of IT solutions and services. It covers the entire IT service chain from a single source, from consulting to system integration, right through to the management of IT infrastructures. In addition, Siemens IT Solutions and Services extends the range of offerings of the other Siemens Sectors to include software developments and IT solutions. With its comprehensive know-how and industry-specific knowledge, Siemens IT Solutions and Services provides measurable added value for its customers. Founded in January 2007, the new Siemens Division employs around 43,000 people and posts annual sales of about 5.4 billion euros, of which some 70 percent are generated outside of the Siemens Sectors.
More information at: www.siemens.com/it-solutions

VÖB-ZVD Bank für Zahlungsverkehrsdienstleistungen GmbH is the competence and service center for card-based and internet-based payment transactions. Of all the central transaction processing institutions in Germany’s credit services sector, it is the only one with bank status. Its core competencies include the routing, authorization, clearing and settlement of ATM, POS and internet payments as well as e-loading transactions. In these areas of business, it processed some 190 million transactions in 2007 and, with its 59-strong workforce, generated sales of around €14 million. VÖB-ZVD Bank stands for neutrality, quality, flexibility and trust. With its professional services, it provides a basis for its customers to grow and create value in the long term. Further details are available at: www.voeb-zvd.de and www.directpos.de.